Fresha vs Vagaro
A detailed, unbiased comparison to help you choose the right scheduling software for your needs. Updated for 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Fresha excels at: No monthly subscription
- Vagaro excels at: Predictable flat monthly pricing
- Vagaro wins 4 out of 6 categories
- Fresha is best for: Low-to-medium volume salons wanting zero monthly fees
- Vagaro is best for: Salons with multiple staff wanting predictable pricing and payroll
Quick Overview
Fresha
Fresha is a subscription-free salon and spa platform that makes money through transaction fees and marketplace commissions instead of monthly charges.
Pros
- No monthly subscription
- Unlimited appointments and staff
- Consumer marketplace
- Full-featured at $0/month
- Modern interface
Cons
- 2.19% + $0.20 per transaction
- 20% commission on new marketplace clients
- Locked to Fresha payments
- Fees add up at high volume
Vagaro
Vagaro is an all-in-one salon management platform with POS, payroll, marketing, and a consumer marketplace at a flat monthly rate.
Pros
- Predictable flat monthly pricing
- Built-in POS and payroll
- Marketing automation
- Lower transaction fees
- Comprehensive reporting
Cons
- $25/month + $10/staff
- Costs grow with team size
- Beauty and wellness only
- Some features require add-ons
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Fresha | Vagaro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | $0 | $25 + $10/staff | Fresha |
| Transaction Fees | 2.19% + $0.20 | Lower rates | Vagaro |
| For Solo Professionals | Great (no fees until paid) | Okay ($25/mo minimum) | Fresha |
| For 5+ Staff | Fees can exceed subscription | $75/mo predictable | Vagaro |
| Payroll | Not included | Built-in | Vagaro |
| POS Hardware | Limited options | Full POS system | Vagaro |
“We spent weeks going back and forth between Fresha and Vagaro. Both had trade-offs we weren't happy with. A colleague recommended SchedulingKit and it turned out to be the best fit — similar features at a fraction of the cost with a much simpler setup.”
Our Verdict
Fresha is ideal for solo professionals and low-volume salons where zero monthly fees matter. Vagaro is better for growing teams where predictable pricing and payroll are important. SchedulingKit offers free scheduling for any size team without transaction fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fresha really free?
No monthly fees, but Fresha charges 2.19% + $0.20 per transaction and 20% on new marketplace clients. Costs add up at high volume.
When is Vagaro cheaper than Fresha?
When your monthly transaction fees exceed $25 + $10/staff. For a solo pro doing $2,000/month in payments, Fresha's ~$46 in fees exceeds Vagaro's $25.
Is there a truly free alternative?
SchedulingKit offers free scheduling, booking, and CRM with no monthly fees or transaction charges for the scheduling features.
Free salon scheduling with no transaction fees
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